Janssen enters new neurodegenerative disease collaboration

Janssen and Johnson and Johnson Innovation will be collaborating with Belgian scientists to carry out research into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

The companies will work with KU Leuven, University Hospitals Leuven and Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie to drive new discoveries in this area, with up to five million euros (4.26 million pounds) to be committed to this project over a five-year period.

Scientists will be encouraged to submit proposals for cutting-edge research in this key area, while other academic institutions will be invited to join the project as its next phase begins later this year.

It ties in with the Janssen and Johnson and Johnson Healthy Minds initiative, which strives to accelerate progress in global efforts to combat neurologic and brain disorders through collaborative alliances.

Patrick Verheyen, head of Johnson and Johnson Innovation in London, said: "Accelerating the most promising early-stage science in collaboration with leading academic centres around the world is how we will continue to make improvements in the health and wellbeing of people worldwide."

This comes after Janssen recently announced plans to submit more than ten new product filings and over 25 significant brand line extensions within the next four years.